Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a part of a subset of dentistry known as endodontics. “Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Simply put, endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth.

When teeth become inflammed or infected root canal therapy becomes a necessary treatment for saving compromised teeth. Infection or inflammation can be the result of serious decay, repeated procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip, a damaged crown, and even trauma. If the infection or inflammation is not treated, it leads to pain or an abscess.

During a root canal procedure the damaged nerve or pulp of the tooth is removed; the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and then filled with a rubber material called Gutta Percha. The procedure may take a couple of visits and once the root canal is completed the tooth is restored with a filling or a crown.

Root canal therapy helps you to continue to eat the foods you love, protect other teeth from strain or excessive wear, and maintain that beautiful smile. With proper care, a root canaled tooth may last as long as other natural teeth.

Our practice utilizes a non rotary file system for faster non-discomforting root canal therapy. This advanced technology virtually eliminates the risk of file seperation inherent to root canal therapy and is more effective in cleaning the inside of the tooth with fewer complications.

Endodontic Treatment Statistics

► It is estimated that 15.1 million root canal treatments were performed annually:

► 10.9 million/72% were performed by general dentists

► 4.2 million/28% were performed by endodontists

Source: American Association of Endodontists; Published August of 2007